According to party leaders, a verbal altercation between the workers and police personnel escalated, following which the police allegedly resorted to a lathi charge. Several party workers were reportedly injured, triggering chaos at the venue
Sanjay Shirsat. File Pic
Amid the ongoing vote counting for 227 wards of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday accused the police of “misusing power” following an alleged lathi charge on Shiv Sena workers at a counting centre in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reported news agency ANI.
Dispute over entry escalates into violence
The incident reportedly occurred at the counting centre set up at the Government Engineering College after a dispute broke out over granting entry to Shiv Sena workers. According to party leaders, a verbal altercation between the workers and police personnel escalated, following which the police allegedly resorted to a lathi charge. Several party workers were reportedly injured, triggering chaos at the venue.
BMC Election Results 2026 LIVE: Ward-wise and Party-wise Counting Updates
Shirsat demands action, says MLCs will be filed
Speaking to the media at the counting centre, Shirsat demanded action against the police personnel involved, alleging excessive use of force. He also said that medico-legal cases (MLCs) would be filed against the police.
‘Police should act against criminals, not workers’
“Today is the counting of votes, and on such a day, when our workers were coming to the centre, nearly 100 policemen opened a lathi charge on them and wounded them severely. Action should be taken against this. The police should use force against criminals, not workers. This is a misuse of power. We are filing MLCs against them,” the minister said, reported ANI.
Police cite Election Commission guidelines
Responding to the allegations, the police maintained that their actions were in line with guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to ensure security and order at the counting centre.
Inquiry ordered by police commissioner
Police Commissioner Praveen Pawar said the matter has been taken cognisance of and an inquiry has been ordered. He added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) would lead the investigation, considering statements from both the police and Shiv Sena leaders, and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings, reported ANI.
DCP to examine statements of all sides
“The counting of votes is taking place here today. An incident has occurred. The DCP will investigate the matter, taking into account the stance of both the police and Shiv Sena leaders. Everything will be examined, and action will be taken accordingly,” he said, reported ANI.
Harshada Shirsat raises concerns over lack of action
Meanwhile, Harshada Shirsat, the minister’s daughter, also reached the counting centre and alleged that no action had yet been taken against the police personnel accused of assaulting party workers. Both she and the minister asserted that an inquiry into the officers involved should be prioritised, even if it temporarily halted the counting process, reported ANI.
Protests erupt, additional police deployed
Following the incident, protests erupted at the site, prompting the deployment of additional police forces. The district administration and election officials said efforts are underway to defuse the situation and mediate among all parties concerned, with necessary steps to be taken to restore normalcy.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
